#21 - The Story of Stuff

This is a very inspiring video on consumption and sustainable development. I encourage you to share this link with others.

http://www.storyofstuff.org/

#20 - My darling

Kinda mysterious, huh. He is a world-class boyfriend and my lifelong playmate. He is a funny cooking, caring explorer of this wondrous world. We love to bike, cook, garden, read, write, travel and we spend half of our free time at Sideboard - so maybe you will see us there! We pick each other's brains pondering the mysteries of life, discussing human behavior and sharing new ideas.

#19 - My bro

I have the greatest brother (the one in the middle). He appreciates my talents and I admire his ambition and passion. We had a great childhood and many special memories. He is my adventurer buddy!

#18 - My father

My father is a very loving and giving person. He always makes me laugh! He is very thoughtful, gives me great advice and is always there for me.

#17 - My mother

My mother has a very big heart. She loves to create, share and celebrate. She instilled in me a great passion for life and taught me many things: to cook, to sew, arts/crafts, to take care of my body and to be an adventurer!

#16 - Movies That Open My Eyes

Tonight I watched "The Killing Fields" about how the Vietnam War entered Cambodia and the violent aftermath of the Khmer Rouge's rise to power. I appreciate movies that open my eyes to the world and it's history. I am visiting Cambodia in a year, so this video really touched me. Other great films in this category are "Hotel Rwanda" and "City of God".

#15 - Arts & Sushi in Cabo San Lucas

If you are ever in Cabo and love sushi this place in a must. Some of the most creative and tasty sushi I have ever had was enjoyed here - my taste buds had not had so much fun in years! They wrap their sushi with fun edibles like mangos and top them with tangy delights like jalapenos. But their flavorful and sophisticated sauces are what really bring it together.

#14 - Yelp

Yelp is one of my favorite online tools! I have discovered some of my favorite restaurants and cafes with this booming review site. The iPhone app is a speedy way to search for highly reviewed places around you (with the GPS). It is a lifesaver when traveling and the ultimate way to find that fab new place in town that is not yet on your radar.

#13 - Reading on the beach

I love reading on the beach - when I make it to the beach...

#12 - Murals

There are 100s of murals in the bay area. Sunday I was visiting Fairfax (where I lived when I first moved to CA) and spotted a new mural. Here it is.

#11 - Fro-yo

Yogurt shack is some of the best in the land!

#10 - Iced soy lattes

I have never been a coffee drinker and can't stand soy milk, but somehow this has recently become one of my favorite drinks - who'd have guessed! To be really good it has to be from a gourmet cafe. My two favorite places to order the brew (if you live in the east bay) are Bittersweet Cafe (San Ramon) and Sideboard (Danville).

#9 - Picking fruit

I have very fond memories of picking strawberries as a child. Today I pick my own fruit in a city called Brentwood, CA. Here is a great site to find a U-Pick place near you: http://www.pickyourown.org/index.htm#states

#8 - Retro road signs

I found this sign in SF and fell in love. Had to post it.

#7 - Painting pottery

I love painting - especially something functional like a piece of pottery. My favorite place in the Bay Area to do this is Color Me Mine. Here are some whimsical knobs I painted for a dresser.

#6 - Paddeling down a river in a canoe

Here's my mom paddling down the Miami River. Canoeing is relaxing and a great workout. When I canoe life is simple and I feel connected with nature.

#5 - Pandora radio

This totally customizable radio creates playlists of all the songs I love - with almost zero effort. It's like magic! Now I always have access to music that fits my mood all work day long. It's also a great way to learn about new artist, although most of the artists Pandora plays are mainstream.

#4 - When my boyfriend bakes me bread

Don't these loaves look wholesome.
Full of nuts, oats, millet, bananna
and blueberries.

#3 - Bonsai trees

Bonsai trees always stun me with their amazing
beauty. What a feat! This ancient bonsai is
from the Krohn Conservatory in Cincinnati, OH.

#2 - Farmers markets

I purchased these beautiful sunflowers
at a farmers market Saturday - for only
$3! They were a bit hard to carry home
in my bike basket though.

Want to find a farmers market near
you and enjoy them too:
http://www.localharvest.org/

#1 - Camera phones

I appreciate how camera phones let me capture
so many special moments and memories of my
everyday life - not just staged shots.